This project would extend SH 249 on new location spanning approximately 10 miles from FM 1774 to SH 105 in Grimes County.

Project Approval Granted

Environmental clearance has been granted for this project.  The next steps in the development to prepare construction plans and purchase right-of-way may now be initiated. Based on the final Environmental Assessment, TxDOT has selected the green alternative.

Project Description

The project includes:

• Constructing a two-lane roadway with shoulders and a passing lane in alternating directions that would accommodate future widening to a four-lane divided roadway. The typical right-of-way width would be 400 - 450 feet.
• The two-lane roadway will be tolled. In addition, two-lane, one-way, non-tolled frontage roads will be constructed along approximately five miles of the proposed project (from Urbanosky Road to west of CR 304).
  
• Approximately 623 acres of new right of way will be required. No displacements will be required.
  

Project Background

• A recommended study area for the proposed project was presented at an open house on October 29, 2013. Based on comments from the open house, TxDOT identified additional environmental constraints for design considerations. An evaluation process was started to identify and compare potential routes with the project purpose and needs.
  
• Six alternatives were presented at the open house on April 3, 2014. Alignment B3 was recommended to be compared to the no-build alternative.
  
• After considering comments and input received from the April 2014 open house and study findings, a hybrid alternative combining alternatives B and C was identified.
• TxDOT then analyzed a variety of alternatives to refine the alignment between CR 304 and CR 306 in response to public comments. This effort yielded the preferred blue alternative for this area in October 2015. The remainder of the preferred alignment for the corridor remained unchanged.
  
• TxDOT continued the environmental process and was granted access to properties along the blue route for further evaluation. During this evaluation process, additional environmental issues were identified resulting in TxDOT eliminating a portion of the blue alternative to avoid grave sites and impact to streams.
• TxDOT presented two alignment alternatives for the area between CR 304 and CR 306 (noted in yellow and green) for public input during the June 30, 2016, public hearing to gain public input.
• Based on the final Environmental Assessment, TxDOT has selected the green alternative.

Benefits

The proposed improvements are expected to provide the following, as outlined in the purpose and needs identified by the SH 249 Working Group:

• Improve safety: Crash rates on FM 1774 and SH 105 exceed the statewide average
• Address traffic growth: Since 1980, traffic has increased 274 percent on FM 1774 and 197 percent on SH 105 
• Improve regional connections: Provide transportation system continuity to surrounding area
• Address evacuation needs: Increase evacuation capacity during emergencies

Get Involved

• June 30, 2016 - Public Hearing
• April 3, 2014 - Open House
  
• Oct. 29, 2013 - Open House
  

Next Steps

• Design-Build Consulting Team Selection - Estimated Spring 2017
• Construction - Estimated Summer 2017

Downloads

• Notice of Availability
• Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
• Public Hearing Summary Report
• Project Study Area Map
• Recommended Study Area Constraints Map
• Project Layout Map
• Environmental Assessment

Detailed Schematics

• FM 1774 to CR 304
• CR 304 to CR 306 - Green Alternative
• CR 304 to CR 306 - Yellow Alternative
• CR 306 to SH 105

Contact Us

TxDOT Bryan District
Director of Transportation Planning and Development
Attn: SH 249 – Grimes
2591 N. Earl Rudder Freeway
Bryan, TX 77803

Phone: (979) 778-2165
Fax: (979) 778-9702
Email